3 days ago
DART plans 10% cut to service amid budget constraints, loss in member cities
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) announced it's planning a 10% cut to services.
On Tuesday evening, the DART commission approved the service cuts. The decision comes as DART continues to work to close its budget shortfall and cities like Pleasant Hill and Grimes have decided to cancel service.
'The Commission made the fiscally responsible decision to draft a new bus network based on a budget the region can confidently afford,' DART Commission Chair and Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen said in a statement. 'DART will present a draft plan in September for public input, as we work to finalize the new network by early 2026. Our goal is to provide long-term stability for the residents of our communities who rely on DART to go about their daily lives.'
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DART said 90% of its current service will still be maintained, but the new plan would increase service on high-use routes and would limit, or eliminate, service to areas that are rarely used.
For member cities that have less ridership like Altoona and Clive, DART is considering utilizing a micro transit to ensure residents in those areas can still access transportation if needed.
The new proposed bus network will be released by DART for public input before a plan is finalized by the DART Commission in January 2026. If approved, the new routes would begin in summer 2026.
DART said it currently has a balanced budget and will continue operating at its normal levels until the new routes are implemented.
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